Star comment: Stay alert to danger of drones
The law cannot always keep pace with technology. In recent decades, we have witnessed the advent of cybercrime, which took police some years to understand and marshal.
More recently, issues surrounding the use and abuse of social media have eaten into police resources, consuming endless hours as officers trawl the internet in search of evidence.
The issue of drones is a relatively new phenomenon and our police and courts are yet to fully get to grips with the problems that they cause. Though drones have been created principally for a leisure market, there are no doubt those who seek to put them to nefarious uses.
Experts warn that drones could be used in terrorist incidents. Similarly, there have been numerous incidents of drones being used to ferry drugs or other items, particularly to those serving custodial sentences.
Many complaints, however, centre around the unintended dangers that they can present.
We are all too aware of the problems that drones can cause for both private and commercial aircraft. Given their potential for causing harm – however unintentional that might be – it is a wonder that more serious accidents have not happened.
In Shropshire, RAF Shawbury has been campaigning on the issue for some time and there has been reports of near misses. So far, no harm has been done but the general consensus is that it is a matter of time before we face a serious tragedy.
Joined up thinking is required between the police, aviation experts, health and safety officials, MPs and the courts.
They must work out what is possible, what must be resisted and what actions are permissible. As they draft new legislation, they must look to future-proof new laws by making sure they cover all eventualities.
With Christmas rapidly approaching, we are likely to see more drones in the skies over Shropshire and Mid Wales, which makes the game of catch up all the more pressing.
It is clear that drones can be great fun but they can also cause considerable harm.
